City: Des Moines, IA

Category: Restaurants

Telephone: (515) 422-5109

Address: 2002 Woodland Ave.

Description: Sharing space with the namesake market just off M. L. King Jr. Parkway in the Western Gateway, this popular, unpretentious cafe serves up a short-order version of favorite items from around the world. Sandwiches are big and tasty, like the Cuban stuffed with hot roast pork and Nieman Ranch ham and slathered with mustard on ciabatta (all the bread comes from the nearby South Union Bakery), or the spicy blackened tuna with crisp lettuce. Asian shrimp salad, fish and chips, fish tacos, and pad thai show up on the menu as well, adding to the international flavor. They do a yummy breakfast, with huevos rancheros, a wide selection of omelets, and a perfect bowl of oatmeal with maple syrup and brown sugar among the offerings. You may have to hunt for a spot in the parking lot during the lunch rush, but the efficient staff keeps things moving along.